• The Penguins revealed a poorly kept secret Tuesday when coach Dan Bylsma announced that Evgeni Malkin will not play in Sunday's NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh, N.C. Malkin missed his third consecutive game when he was unable to play against the Islanders. The center has been dealing with a knee injury and a sinus infection. Bylsma said that the sinus infection is the biggest reason Malkin is out of the lineup, perhaps a sign that the knee injury isn't serious. "The symptoms from the sinus infection and pressure in his head are preventing him from going on the ice right now," Bylsma said.

• Given that Malkin and Sidney Crosby (lingering concussion symptoms) are both dealing with nontraditional injuries, judging when they will return is difficult. The Penguins will have a week off during the all-star break and return to action next Tuesday against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Whether Malkin or Crosby will be back on the ice by then is a mystery. "Evgeni is not healthy enough to return to the ice right now," Bylsma said. "He needs to get healthy before we can move forward with that. Is that during the break, or is that after the break? We don't know that. We hope it's soon, maybe within the next week or so he can think about getting back on the ice again when he's healthy and the pressure in his head subsides."

• Left wing Matt Cooke missed the morning skate for personal reasons but played against the Islanders.

• Right wing Eric Godard continued to practice with a protective mask covering his face.